Southampton hopeful on Koeman deal

Southampton are hoping for more talks with Dutch legend Ronald Koeman in the coming days as they look to fill their managerial vacancy, sources have told ESPN.

Koeman and his advisers have staged initial discussions with the south coast club, with Saints officials believed to have been impressed by the former PSV Eindhoven and Valencia boss as they continue their search to find a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, who joined Tottenham last month.

Koeman's managerial record

Vitesse Arnhem (2000-2001)

Ajax (2001-2005)

2 Erevidisie titles, 1 KNVB Cup

Benfica (2005-2006)

PSV Eindhoven (2006-2007)

1 Erevidisie title

Valencia (2007-2008)

1 Copa del Rey

AZ Alkmaar (2009)

Feyenoord (2011-2014)

Reports suggested Tim Sherwood was emerging as another potential candidate to replace the man who took his job at Tottenham, but it seems that Koeman remains the front-runner for the Saints hotseat.

One of the first tasks for the next Southampton manager will be resolving the futures of a host of the club's star names, with Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez and Luke Shaw among those being linked with high profile transfers this summer.

Having sold Rickie Lambert to Liverpool, Southampton are keen to avoid concluding any more transfer business until they have their new manager in place, with the availability of a high profile candidate such as Koeman - following his departure from Feyenoord last month - and his eagerness to work in the Premier League making him an attractive prospect.